Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:

Nasal decongestants.

How the Drug Works:

Nasal decongestants shrink swollen and congested nasal tissues (mucous membranes) by constricting blood vessels. This should relieve congestion (stuffy feeling), promote drainage of mucus, and improve breathing. Local application (eg, nasal drops, sprays) causes moro into use and rapid nasal de congestion than oral drugs (eg, tablets, sylph). Only drugs generally last longer, cause less local irritation, and are not associated with round nasal congestions (rhinitis mrdicamentose).

Uses:

For temporary relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever,

and other upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis.

To treat eustachian tube congestion (plugged ears). To promote nasal or sinus drainage.

To relieve ear pressure and pain in air travel.

Sodium chloride: To restore moisture to nasal tissue, thin nasal secretions, and relieve dry, crusted, and inflamed nasal membranes due to colds, low humidity, nasal decongestant overuse, allergies, nosebleeds, sinus infection, and other irritations.

Precautions:

Excessive use: Excessive use of topical decongestants may cause side effects (eg, nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness) that are more likely in infants and in the elderly. Long-term high-dose therapy may be habit forming (eg, rebound congestion).

Hypertension (high blood pressure): Use these products only with medical advice. You may experience a change in blood pressure because of the increased narrowing of the blood vessels.

Phenylketonuria patients: Some of these drugs contains phenylalanine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Rebound congestion: Rebound congestion (rhinitis medicaments) may occur following several days of regular topical application. Rebound , which is worse than the original symptoms, occurs when the drug wears off Increasing the amount of drug or frequency of use only worsens rebound congestion and increases the risks of medication toxicity.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if congestion continues to return when the drug effect wears off.

Sulfite sensitivity: Some of these products contain sulfites, which may cause allergic-type reactions (eg, rash, hives, itching, wheezing) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall prevalence of sensitivity in the general population is probably low, it is seen more frequently in asthmatics or in a topic non asthmatic persons.

Treatment for rebound congestion: A simple but uncomfortable solution is to completely withdraw the topical medication. A more acceptable method is to gradually withdraw therapy by discontinuing the medication in one nostril, followed by total withdrawal. Substituting an oral decongestant for a topical one also may be useful.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before taking an oral decongestant while breastfeeding. It is not known if topical decongestants appear in breast milk. Use caution when administering to a nursing woman.

Children: Dosage restrictions may vary according to product instructions; refer to individual product information for dosage and administration.

Elderly: Patients 60 years of age and older are more likely to experience side effects. Over dosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, depression, and death.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with nasal decongestants. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with nasal decongestants:

• Furazolidone (Furoxone)
• Guanethidine (lsmelin)
• MAOls (eg, phenelzine)
• Methyldopa (eg, Aldomet)
• Rauwolfia alkaloids (eg, reser pine)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many nasal decongestant users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, individual susceptibility, and method of administration. Side effects are more likely to occur with oral nasal decongestants. Oral agents, however, cause less local irritation and are not associated with rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa). Possible side effects include:

Topical Use: Burning; stinging; sneezing; dryness; local irritation; rebound congestion; nasal discharge; weakness.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; appetite loss; indigestion.

Nervous System: Anxiety; restlessness; tremor; CNS depressions; weakness tenseness; headache; dizziness; drowsinoss; sleeplessness lightheadedness; nervousness.

Circulatory System: Irregular heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; palpitations (pounding in the chest).

Other: Sweating; pale skin; chest pain; eye sensitivity to light; painful or difficult urination; rash; hives.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless directed by your doctor.
• Patients with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases, thyroid disease, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, or enlarged prostate should use these products only with medical advice .
• To prevent pressure pain in air travel or other situations where there is a rapid change in altitude, nose drops and nasal sprays act quickly. Talk oral dosage 10rms 1 to 2 hours prior to a major altitude change.
• Side effects are most likely in the elderly and children. Excessive us( (misuse) increases risk for side effects.
• Stop using and contact your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or vomiting.
• Oral _ If symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by a high fever, consult your doctor before continuing use. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Higher doses may cause nervousness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or sleeplessness. If these occur, stop use and contact your doctor. Do not split, dissolve, crush, or chew extended-release preparations.
• Topical _ Use only as needed. Avoid excessive use. Stop using and contact your doctor if you experience sleeplessness, dizziness, weakness, tremor, or irregular heartbeat. Do not exceed recommended dos age and do not use longer than 3 days, unless directed by your doctor. Stinging or burning sensations or drying of the nose may occur. This often disappears after a jaw applications. If rebound congestion Occurs from excessive doses and frequent use, withdraw the topical drug gradually. Stop using the medication in one nostril, then both nostril:. An oral decongestant may be used instead. Notify your doctor if Symptoms persist.
• Nasal spray - Hold head upright, insert nozzle into nostril, spray quickly and firmly and sniff deeply while blocking off other nostril. Wipe nozzle clean after use.
• Nasal drops _ Recline on a bed and hang your head over the edge Instill nose drops. Remain in this position for several minutes after using the drops, turning your head from side to side while gently “sniffing” and squeezing the nostrils.
• Use of the same container 01 nasal spray or drops by more than 1 person may spread infection. Do not allow the tip of the container or drop per to touch the nasal passage. Store as directed on package labeling.

Type of Drug:Synthetic hormones (anabolic steroids) closely related to the androgen testosterone (male sex hormone).

How the Drugs Works:

Anabolic steroids promote body tissue-building processes and reverse destructive tissue-depleting processes. They also decrease normal testosterone production by the testicles.

Uses :

Nandrolone and oxymetholone - To treat certain types of anemia.

Oxandrolone - To treat weight loss due to severe illness, following extensive surgery, and in some patients who, without definite reasons, fail to gain or maintain normal weight. To relieve bone pain caused by osteoporosis (brittle bones). To prevent the breakdown of protein associated with prolonged corticosteroid (eg, prednisone) use.

Stanozolol - To decrease the frequency and severity of hereditary angioedema attacks.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe oxandrolone for alcoholic hepatitis, short stature associated with Turner syndrome, HIV wasting syndrome, and HIV-associated musclo weakness.

Precautions:

Athletic performance: Anabolic steroids have not been shown to enhance athletic ability. An athlete’s motivation to use steroids includes: Increased muscle mass and strength; decreased muscle recovery time, allowing more frequent weight training; decreased healing time after muscle injury; increased aggressiveness. The increase in muscle size and weight gain is partially attributed to increased sodium and water retention. The serious health hazards associated with anabolic steroids minimize any real or perceived gain in performance. Effects of these agents may persist for up to 6 months after the last dose. Adverse effects may be serious and irreversible.

Benzyl alcohol: Some of these products contain benzyl alcohol, which has been associated with fatal “gasping syndrome” in premature infants. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Edema: Edema (swelling), with or without congestive heart failure, may occur. Use with caution in patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease; epilepsy; migraine; or other conditions that may be aggravated by fluid retention. In addition to discontinuation of the drug, diuretic therapy may be required.

High serum cholesterol: Anabolic steroids may lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (”good” cholesterol) and raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (”bad” cholesterol). This effect may increase the risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and coronary artery disease.

Leukemia: Leukemia has been observed in patients with plastic anemia treated with oxyacetylene, but the role of oxyacetylene is unclear.

Liver disease: Liver cysts and tumors have occurred during treatment with anabolic steroids. They are often not recognized until a life-threatening condition develops. Stopping the medicine usually results in shrinking or complete disappearance of the lesions.

Mnlos after puberty: Anabolic steroids may inhibit function of the testes, Iggravato acne, decrease sperm count, promote development of breast cantus the testes to shrink, and lead to impotence.

Women: Anabolic steroids may produce irreversible vitalization (eg, deepening of voice, unusual hair growth, enlargement of the clitoris) in females. Women should be carefully monitored and drug therapy stopped at the first sign of virilization (eg, menstrual irregularities).

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Anabolic steroids may cause masculinization of the female fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if anabolic steroids appear in breast milk.

Because of the potential for serious adverse effects, decide whether to discontinue nursing or the drug. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: The adverse effects of use in young children are not fully under­stood. Anabolic steroids may interfere with growth to normal adult height. Use with caution.

Elderly: Anabolic steroids may increase risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. Use with caution.

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include liver function, blood calcium levels, cholesterol levels, and hemoglobin tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking an anabolic steroid. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) interact with anabolic steroids.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many anabolic steroid users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Males (before puberty): Increased size of penis; increased frequency of erections.

Males (after puberty): Breast enlargement; changes in sex drive; impotence; persistent, painful erections; shrinking of testes; decreased semen volume; bladder irritation; inhibition of testicular function.

Females: Excessive growth of body hair; hoarseness or deepening of the voice; enlargement of the clitoris; changes in sex drive; changes in menstruation; male pattern baldness.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea.

Nervous System: Sleeplessness; dependency; depression; excitability Skin: Yellowing of the skin or eyes; acne.

Other: Fluid retention; ankle swelling; electrolyte imbalance;abnormal cholestrol lvels;abnormal lab test ;liver disease;elevated blood sugar.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless advised by your doctor.
• The inject able form of nandrolone will usually be prepared and administered by your health care provider in a medical setting.
• May cause nausea or gastrointestinal upset.
• Diabetic patients _ Glucose tolerance may be altered. Monitor blood sugar closely and report any changes to your doctor.
• Seizure disorders _ Epileptic patients may note an increase in seizure frequency; notify your doctor if this occurs.
• Notify your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, yellowing of skin color, or ankle swelling.
• Female patients should notify their doctor if they experience hoarse- ness, deepening of the voice, changes in body hair growth, menstrual changes, malepattern baldness, or acne .
• Male patients should notify their doctor if they experience too frequent or persistent erections of the penis or development or worsening of acne.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Do not use to enhance physical appearance or athletic performance.
• Effects of anabolic steroids may persist for up to 6 months after the last dose; some adverse effects are irreversible.
• Maximum benefit may not be reached for several months.
• Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).

Type of Drug:

Diuretics or “water pills.”

How the Drug Works:

Potassium-sparing diuretics increase the amount of water and sodium being excreted by the kidneys, but reduce the amount of potassium being excreted by the kidneys.

Uses:

To treat edema (fluid accumulation and swelling) due to congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and in certain kidney conditions.

To treat high blood pressure, usually in combination with other drugs. to prevent or treat low potassium levels due to use of other medications (eg, other diuretics).

Precautions:

Spironolactone: To diagnose and treat primary hyperaldosteronism (an abnormality of electrolyte metabolism). To treat edema in children.

Triamterene: To treat edema due to secondary hyperaldosteronism (an abnormality of electrolyte metabolism).

High potassium levels (hyperkalemia): Occasionally hyperkalemia may occur when these agents are used without diuretics. Symptoms include abnormal skin sensations (burning, tingling), muscle weakness, impaired movement and irregular heartbeat.

Pregnancy: Amiloride and triamterene - Studies in pregnant women have not shown a risk to the fetus; however, no drug should be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

Spironolactone may cross the placenta. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Breastfeeding: Spironolactone appears in breast milk. However, it is not known if triamterene or amiloride are excreted in breast milk. Safety for use in breastfeeding has not been established. These drugs can cause serious side effects in a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while taking these drugs.

Children: Safety and effectiveness of triamterene and amiloride in children have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests should be performed periodically for serum electrolytes, creatinine, BUN and serum potassium. Periodic blood tests should also be performed.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with potassium-sparing diuretics. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with potassium-sparing diuretics:

• ACE inhibitors (eg, captopril)
• Anesthetics (general)
• Antihypertensives (spironolactone and triamterene only)
• Chlorpropamide (eg, Diabinese) (triamterene only)
• Digoxin (eg, Lanoxin) (spironolactone only)
• Indomethacin (eg, Indocin)
• (spironolactone and triamterene only)
• Lithium (eg, Eskalith) (amiloride and triamterene only)
• Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory
• Agents (eg, aspirin) (amiloride and triamterene only)
• Potassium supplements (eg, Kaon)
• Salt substitutes
• Skeletal muscle relaxants (triamterene only)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many potassium-sparing diuretic users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include

Digestive Tract: Stomach or intestinal cramps or pain; nausea; vomiting; thirst; diarrhea; constipation; gas; appetite changes (loss of appetite). Nervous System: Weakness, fatigue; drowsiness; confusion; tingling or numbness of hands or feet; headache; dizziness; lack of coordination.

Circulatory System: Irregular pulse; chest pain. Respiratory System: Shortness of breath; cough.

Skin: Rash; hives; excessive body hair growth; yellowing of the skin or eyes; sensitivity to sunlight; unusual bleeding or bruising

Other: Deepening of the voice, breast enlargement in males (spironolactone only); menstrual abnormalities; fever; muscle weakness or cramping; inability to achieve or maintain an erection; difficult urination; dry mouth; allergic reaction

Guidelines for Use:

• Amiloride - May cause stomach upset. Take with food. Notify your doctor if any of the following occurs: Muscular weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, rash, fatigue or muscle cramps. May cause dizziness, headache or visual disturbances. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness. Avoid large quantities of potassium-rich food.
• Spironolactone - May cause drowsiness, lack of coordination and mental confusion. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness. May cause stomach cramping, diarrhea, lethargy, thirst, headache, skin rash, menstrual abnormalities, deepening of the voice and breast enlargement (in males). Notify your doctor if these effects occur.
• Triamterene - May cause stomach upset. Take after meals. May cause weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting and dry mouth. Notify your doctor if these become severe or persistent. Notify your doctor if fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or unusual bleeding or bruising occurs. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) may Occur. Take protective measures (eg, sunscreens, protective clothing) against exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight. If single daily dose is prescribed, take in morning to avoid disruption of sleep because of frequent urination.
• Do not use dietary potassium supplements, potassium-containing medications, low-salt milk or salt substitutes.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If shelter hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Occasionally hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) may Occur when these agents are used. Symptoms include abnormal skin sensations (burning, tingling), muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of arm and leg movement, irregular heartbeat and shock.
• Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired and run­down for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medication even though you may not feel quite “normal.” Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms.
• Store below 77 Degree F. Protect from light, moisture, freezing and excessive heat.

Type of Drug:

Thyroid hormones.

How the Thyroid Hormones Works:

The natural thyroid hormone products (eg, desiccated thyroid and ) are obtained from beef and pork. They are economical, but standardization of iodine content is difficult. The synthetic products, including love thyroxin, Lithuanian and liotrix are generally preferred due to more uniform potency.

Thyroid hormones increase the metabolic rate of body tissues. This involves many varied functions such as oxygen use, respiratory rate, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism of foods, enzyme activity and growth and development of the skeletal and nervous system. Thyroid hormones influence every organ system of the body.

Uses of The Thyroid Hormones:

To treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone Production).

To treat thyroid nodules, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease), multinodular goiter and thyroid cancer.

To treat thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone production). Used with an antithyroid drug to prevent hypothyroidism.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: allergy to thyroid hormones heart attack, recent obesity, treatment thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism) and hypoadrenalism (Addison disease) together thyroid gland, overactive (thyrotoxicosis)

Use with caution in the following situations: Addison disease heart disease angina (chest pain) infertility diabetes insipid us kidney disease diabetes mellitus myxedema (swelling due to elderly hypothroidism)

Pregnancy: This drug appears to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not discontinue thyroid replacement therapy in hypothyroid (decreased thyroid activity) women during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Very small amounts of thyroid hormones appear in breast milk. Use with caution during breastfeeding. The mother and nursing infant should be checked periodically.

Children: Thyroid replacement therapy in children may lead to partial hair loss in the first few months of therapy. This is a temporary condition. Normal hair growth and distribution returns.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary Supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with ‘his medicine:

Side Effects of Thyroid Hormones:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility.

Side effects other than those indicating too much thyroid due to excessive dosage or too rapid dosage increase are rare. Symptoms of too much thyroid include:

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; vomiting.

Nervous System: Tremors; headache; nervousness; sleeplessness. Circulatory System: Increased heart rate; palpitations (pounding in the chest); irregular heartbeat; angina (chest pain); cardiac arrest.

Other: Weight loss; menstrual irregularities; sweating; heat intolerance; fever.

Guidelines for Use:

• Use exactly as prescribed.
• Take as a single daily dose on an empty stomach, preferably before breakfast.
• Brand interchange - Do not change from one brand of this drug to another without consulting your pharmacist or doctor. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.
• Replacement therapy is usually taken for life.
• Do not discontinue medication except on advice of your doctor.
• Notify your doctor if headache, nervousness, sleeplessness diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, chest pain, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat or any unusual event occurs.
• Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of thyroid therapy, but this is usually only temporary.
• Do not use this medication to treat obesity. Thyroid hormones are not effective for weight reduction. Large doses of thyroid medications may produce serious or even life-threatening conditions, especially when taken with appetite suppressants.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose In order to “catch up” (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Dosage is individualized to approximate the deficit in thyroid secretion. Your response is evaluated by your doctor with lab tests. Store at room temperature away from moisture and light.